Introducing The Ulysse Nardin Classico Manufacture 'Grand Feu'

Ulysse Nardin is launching a new edition of the Classico Manufacture with a blue grand feu enamel dial created by Donzé Cadrans, one of the company’s subsidiaries. Donzé Cadrans is one of the few specialists still practicing the special enameling technique and it looks like the results here are something to really pay attention to.

Ulysse Nardin is launching a new edition of the Classico Manufacture with a blue grand feu enamel dial created by Donzé Cadrans, one of the company’s subsidiaries. Donzé Cadrans is one of the few specialists still practicing the special enameling technique and it looks like the results here are something to really pay attention to.

The elegant Classico Manufacture was first launched in 2015, and with it Ulysse Nardin finally introduced an in-house movement to the Classico collection in the UN-320 caliber. The automatic movement is equipped with a silicon hairspring and Ulysse Nardin’s hallmark anchor escapement, and it packs a 48-hour power reserve. It might be basic, but it's got all the signature UN technology inside for sure.

ADVERTISEMENT

Last year, Ulysse Nardin began delivering the Classico Manufacture with a white grand feu enamel dial for just 8,500 CHF (approximately $8,430 at time of publishing), hoping its very competitive price point would make it an attractive option for both enamel enthusiasts and those looking for a clean dress watch with something special to offer. Because this type of decoration requires great skill and isn’t available to all companies, a hefty premium usually comes with watches with enameled dials.

The Ulysse Nardin Classico Manufacture "Grand Feu"

Now Ulysse Nardin is adding a translucent blue grand feu enamel dial to the range, which is made by applying blue enamel powder over a guilloché dial, and firing it in a kiln at very high temperatures – somewhere around 800° C – although the flames cannot be controlled to give an exact temperature each time. The indications, painted in the previous model, are now applied. Otherwise, the features of the watch are unchanged. These include classic Roman numerals, feuille-shaped hands and a small seconds counter at six o’clock with a small round aperture for the date window.

The watch is presented in the same frame too, a slender 9.6mm stainless steel case measuring a relatively modest 40mm in diameter. Water resistance is 30 meters, though this is clearly not a watch designed for active wear.

Pricing has not yet been released, but we will update this story as soon as we learn more.